RUCKMAN Max Gawn is expected to be back running as soon as next week, despite injuring his knee at training on Friday.

Gawn sustained a Grade 2 medial ligament strain in a match simulation drill on the Demons’ pre-season training camp, sending a scare through the Melbourne faithful.

But with results clearing him of any major damage, the 28-year-old will be back on the track in no time.

“The initial diagnosis from the doctors was that there was going to be some medial damage, but obviously with his history, we wanted to check up,” General Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney told SEN on Monday morning.

“You’re never quite sure until you see the scan come through and it was a bit harder up here [in Maroochydore]; we haven’t got the luxury of going next door like we do at AAMI Park, so there was a bit of a three or four hour delay.

“Understandably, [when] a knee and Max Gawn are connected with each other, there’s a bit of hysteria around the place, but we’re really happy with the results.

“He’ll be back running around on Monday and possibly ready to play a game in three to four weeks’ time.”

Gawn will don a knee brace over the next week, in what is a precautionary move from the club, before being placed on a modified training program.

Meanwhile, midfielder Harley Bennell continues to work through his rehab from a calf strain.

The 27-year-old, who has had his fair share of injury concerns throughout his career, suffered a “very minor” setback last month – but not one that could completely derail his chances of securing a contract with the Demons.

“When we first brought Harley to come and train, we knew there was going to be some minor setbacks along the way, given that he’s done his calf over 20 times,” Mahoney said.

“It really just pushed him back three days in his rehab.

“In terms of Harley, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, on and off the field.

“He’s really taken to the players [and] he’s really popular among the playing group.

“Yes, there’s an issue with his calf we’ve got to work through – it’s going to be a medium-long term process, but he’s been really good.

“At this stage, it’s looking really positive for him getting a contract with us.”

The Demons will remain on the Sunshine Coast until Tuesday, before returning to Melbourne to prepare for their first practice match later this month.